O, Ye Sons of Men Be Wise

Joseph Hart (1712-1768): Joseph Hart was an 18th-century Calvinist minister in London. His works include “Hart’s Hymns”, a much-loved hymn book amongst evangelical Christians throughout its lifetime of over 200 years, which includes the well-known hymn, “Come ye sinners, poor and needy.”

O ye sons of men be wise,trust no longer dreams and lies,Out of Christ, almighty pow’rcan do nothing but devour.

God you say is good. ‘Tis true.But he’s pure and holy too;just and jealous is his ire,burning with vindictive fire.

This of old himself declared:Israel trembled when they heard.But the proof of proofs indeedis he sent his Son to bleed.

When the blessed Jesus diedGod was clearly justified:Sin to pardon without bloodnever in his nature stood.

Worship God, then, in his Son,there he’s love and there alone.Think not that he will, or may,pardon any other way.

See the suff’ring Son of God,panting, groaning, sweating blood!Brethren, this had never beenhad not God detested sin.

Be his mercy therefore soughtin the way himself has taught:There his clemency is such,we can never trust too much.

He that better knows than we,bids us all to Jesus flee.Humbly take him at his Wordand your souls will bless the Lord!